Kara Sears
When applying for a job, it is common for employers to ask for references. A reference is someone who can vouch for your capabilities as an employee, and they are usually a coworker, supervisor, department head, higher-level manager, or client. While it is not recommended to list family members as references, there may be exceptions, such as if you worked for your brother-in-law's company. In this case, it may be acceptable to list them as a reference, but it is important to consider that potential employers may discount a positive reference from a family member due to perceived bias. It is also essential to prepare your references in advance and provide them with the necessary information, such as your resume and job description, to ensure they can highlight your strengths and speak highly of you as a potential employee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should family members be used as job references? | It is generally not advisable to use family members as job references, as it may not be well-received by employers. However, there are exceptions, such as when a family member is your supervisor or when you have worked for a family member's business. |
| Who can be used as a job reference? | Former supervisors, coworkers, immediate supervisors, department heads, higher-level managers, or clients with whom you interacted regularly. |
| How to choose a job reference? | Choose references who can speak highly of you, highlight your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses. |
| When to provide reference information? | Provide reference contact information at the start of the application process. Give your references time to decide if they agree to be a reference for you. |
| What information should be provided to references? | Provide your references with a job description, your resume, and any other relevant information to help them speak to your skills, traits, and experience. |
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What You'll Learn
Family members as references
When applying for a job, it is essential to provide references who can vouch for your capabilities and highlight your strengths. While it is common to list former bosses and supervisors as references, other individuals, such as family members, can also serve as references in certain situations.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to list a family member as a job reference, but it is generally not advisable. If you have worked in a family-owned business and your boss is a family member, listing them as a reference can be acceptable. However, it is important to consider that people tend to discount positive references from family members as they may be biased or shade the truth.
Another scenario where listing a family member as a reference could be suitable is if you have worked for them in a professional capacity. For example, if you have done freelance work for a sibling's startup or worked for your parent's company, they can provide valuable insights into your work ethic and capabilities.
It is worth noting that some employers may specifically request professional references or references from former supervisors. In such cases, it would be more appropriate to list non-family members who can speak to your work experience and skills.
Additionally, when choosing references, it is crucial to consider the relationship between the reference and the potential employer. If your brother-in-law has a close relationship with the hiring manager, it may not be advisable to list him as a reference to avoid any potential bias or conflict of interest.
Overall, while there may be exceptions, it is generally best to avoid listing family members as job references. Instead, focus on providing references who can objectively speak to your professional skills, work experience, and strengths.
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Professional vs personal references
When applying for jobs, it is common for employers to request references. These can be professional or personal references, or both. A professional reference is someone who has worked closely with you and can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and working style. They are usually a colleague, supervisor, manager, department head, or client. It is important to choose someone who can speak directly about your daily work habits, performance, and goals. On the other hand, a personal reference is someone who knows you outside of work and can describe your character, values, integrity, and goals. They can provide valuable insights into your soft skills, time management, and ability to plan activities. Personal references can be friends, family members, teachers, or professors with whom you have a close relationship.
While it is generally recommended to provide professional references, personal references are also important. They can fill in gaps when an applicant lacks sufficient professional experience. Additionally, personal references can highlight an applicant's soft skills and character strengths, making them a well-rounded candidate. However, it is generally advised to avoid listing family members as references, as it may not be well-received by potential employers. Instead, focus on providing references who can speak to your professional capabilities and work-related skills.
In the case of listing a brother-in-law as a job reference, it is important to consider the context of your relationship and the nature of the job application. If your brother-in-law is also your colleague or supervisor, they could provide a professional reference. However, if your relationship is solely based on personal ties, it may be more appropriate to seek other references. Family members can be used as professional references if you have worked for them directly, such as in a family business, as they can speak to your work ethic and capabilities in a professional context.
When deciding on references, it is crucial to choose individuals who can highlight your strengths and provide a positive endorsement of your capabilities. It is recommended to send your references your resume, giving them an overview of your professional skills and experience. This allows them to better understand your qualifications and prepare to answer any questions that may arise during the reference check. Additionally, always give your references adequate time to decide whether they can serve as a reference and confirm their contact information to ensure a smooth process.
In conclusion, both professional and personal references serve important purposes in the job application process. While professional references speak to your work-related skills and experience, personal references provide insights into your character, soft skills, and work ethic outside of the professional context. When deciding on references, choose individuals who can best showcase your strengths and provide valuable insights to potential employers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your capabilities.
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References from non-family members
While it is generally frowned upon to list family members as job references, there are certain situations where it may be acceptable. If you have worked for a family-owned business for a significant period, listing a family member as a reference may be appropriate, especially if they can vouch for your work ethic and capabilities. However, it is important to be upfront about the relationship to avoid appearing dishonest.
It is always best to provide references from non-family members whenever possible. Here are some alternative options to consider:
- Professors or Teachers: Educators who have taught you relevant skills and have witnessed your growth and work ethic can be excellent references. They can speak to your academic performance, skills, and personal qualities.
- Co-workers or Colleagues: Colleagues who are not related to you can provide valuable insights into your work performance, skills, and professional behaviour. They can attest to your teamwork, collaboration, and ability to work effectively with others.
- Supervisors or Managers: While some employers prefer references from non-supervisory roles, supervisors can still be good references, especially if they can highlight your strengths and accomplishments in the workplace.
- Clients or Customers: References from clients or customers you have worked with can be highly valuable. They can speak to your work quality, customer service skills, and ability to meet their needs and expectations.
- Volunteer Coordinators: If you have engaged in volunteer work, consider listing the coordinator or supervisor as a reference. They can attest to your character, dedication, and ability to work in a team.
- Friends or Acquaintances: In some cases, close friends or acquaintances who are not family members can be used as personal references. They can speak to your character, personal qualities, and soft skills. However, be mindful that some employers may prefer professional references over personal ones.
Remember, it is essential to choose references who can highlight your strengths and provide positive feedback about your work or academic performance. Always prepare your reference list in advance and keep your references informed about your job search.
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Professors as references
While it is generally not recommended to list family members as job references, there are certain situations where it may be appropriate. For example, if you have worked for a family member's business, they may be able to provide an excellent reference for your capabilities and work ethic.
Now, onto the topic of professors as job references. Professors can be excellent references, especially if you are a recent college graduate with limited job experience. They can speak to your academic strengths, work ethic, and any relevant skills you may have developed during your studies. When choosing a professor as a reference, consider the following:
- Pick the right professor: Select a professor who knows you well and has seen you display a range of skills and qualifications relevant to the job you are applying for. Consider professors in your major or minor, instructors in classes where you excelled, or those who taught career-related skills like research, public speaking, or project management.
- Get their permission: Before listing a professor as a reference, always ask for their permission and provide them with the necessary information. This includes details about the job you are applying for, a copy of your resume, and specific skills or strengths you would like them to highlight.
- Choose multiple professors for different jobs: You can ask multiple professors to serve as references for different jobs. For example, if you are applying for a variety of entry-level positions, you could ask an accounting professor, a business professor, and a computer science professor to be references, depending on the specific job and your academic background.
- Provide accurate contact information: Make sure to get the professor's preferred and accurate contact information, including their address, phone number, and email address. This will ensure that potential employers can easily reach them.
- Request a reference letter: In addition to using professors as verbal or written references, you can also request a reference letter from them. This letter can be uploaded as part of your job application and may carry more weight than a simple reference check.
By following these tips, you can effectively utilize professors as job references and increase your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.
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Providing a job description to references
While opinions vary on whether or not it is appropriate to list a family member as a job reference, it is generally advised to avoid doing so. However, there is a loophole to this guideline: if you have worked for your brother-in-law, for example, and he has witnessed your work ethic and capabilities first-hand, it might be beneficial to list him as a reference.
Now, here is some information on providing a job description to references:
When providing references for a job application, it is important to choose individuals who can attest to your skills, work ethic, and character. These references should be able to confirm your professional achievements, educational background, experience, habits, and strengths. They can be from your professional network, such as previous employers, managers, supervisors, colleagues, or clients, or they can be academic references, such as professors or teachers. It is essential to ensure that you have a close working relationship with these references and that they will provide positive feedback.
To help your references provide effective support for your application, it is advisable to share with them a copy of your resume and the job description. This enables them to identify the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. You can also inform them about your interests in the job and the qualities that make you a good fit. Additionally, providing your references with background information on why you are interested in the role and what skills you would like them to emphasise can be beneficial.
It is also important to maintain open communication with your references throughout the process. Let them know in advance that they may be contacted, and remember to follow up with them afterward, expressing your appreciation for their support. This courtesy makes it easier to call on them again in the future.
When choosing references, aim for individuals directly relevant to the job or industry you are pursuing. This strategic selection strengthens your application and boosts your chances of securing the position.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally not advisable to list family members as job references, as it may not be well-received by potential employers. However, if you have worked with your brother-in-law in a professional capacity, they can be a suitable reference.
If you have worked for a family member in a professional context, such as a family-owned business, it is acceptable to list them as a reference. In this case, they are your supervisor or boss, and can speak to your work ethic and capabilities.
Yes, there are several alternatives. Former teachers or professors who know you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic can be good references. Additionally, consider former coworkers, supervisors, department heads, higher-level managers, or clients with whom you interacted regularly.
